May 17th

Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race teams up with Great Outdoors

The Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race today announced a partnership with outdoors shop, Great Outdoors.  The deal sees Irish owned store Great Outdoors become retail partner for the race, which has become Ireland’s largest adventure race, and one of the largest in the world.

Speaking today, Derek Moody said, “ We are delighted to partner with Ireland’s best adventure race and it is testament to the quality of the event that people travel the length and breadth of the land to compete.  With our online presence we are uniquely positioned to service all those customers.  We have worked with Helly Hansen for years, and are experts in their clothing. We have a full range of all the Helly Hansen Kit suitable for the event available in stock and when you call in store you can receive a discounted entry into the race.’

For all the race information and online registration see http://killarneyadventurerace.ie/.  

For information on Great Outdoors see http://www.greatoutdoors.ie/

March 17th

WOW What a Day in the Black Valley!

Close to 300 competitors kicked off the St Patrick’s Day festivities in style this Sunday morning on a challenging yet rewarding Killarney Adventure Race as they ran, kayaked and cycled their way across one of Ireland’s most spectacular scenic routes on a sun splashed day in Kerry. A hard fought race was eventually won by Jerry O’Sullivan while Siobhan Dineen, in her first ever adventure race took the top female honours. For many, the pride in simply finishing the gruelling race was reason enough to celebrate as everyone crossed the line safely.

Full Results are Available here:<Results>

Loads of Photos available here, thanks to Valerie O’Sullivan: <Photos>

Saint Patrick may be famous for chasing the snakes out of Ireland, but you’d wonder if he’d have completed the job if they had taken him across this route.  Although at times it was hard to tell if it was the 52k or the stunning landscape that was leaving the competitors breathless.

A big thanks to everyone who took part and the residents in the Black Valley who were so helpful and supportive.

Remember registration is open now for the next Killarney adventure race in October, everyone who took part in March got a special discount code in your registration pack, 

Register now <Click Hers>

Feburary 22nd

Kayak Training on the 1st March

We have arranged a Kayak training day on the Lakes of Killarney next week. It is a perfect way to get a bit of Kayak practice in before the race on St. Patrick's Weekend.

The following are all the details:

Location: Ross Castle Killarney
Cost: €20 per person
Duration: 1.15 hours approx
What is included: expert training, all required equipment.
Time: Session 1: 10.00am, Session 2: 11.30, Session 3: 14.00

To book contact info@moractive.com or Michael on 086 389 0171

19 January 2014

Cycle Route for New Killarney Adventure Race St. Patrick's Weekend.

Over the past few days we have got a few queries about the gravel track section of the Adventure Race on St. Patrick's Weekend 16th March. 

You have to remember that it is a one day adventure race you are taking part in, the road surface will not always be smooth, you might come across a bit of gravel or a few steep hills, but that's what it is all about :)


Information on the route:

• You will cycle this track twice, 4K on the way down to Lord Brandon's Cottage and 4K back to the finish line.
• The track is gravel with some sharp, short hills 50m-70m in length, your bike mightn't make it up the hill so you will have to get off and walk!
• The track is narrow and it will be difficult to pass out in places.
• There are 2 narrow bridges that you have to dismount to cross. (this is mandatory)
• All competitors will be at the cycle transition in the Black Valley before cyclists start coming back. You will not meet anyone cycling against you on the track or the road.
• Bike selection is a personal choice - I have cycled it on a hybrid and a road bike with Gator Skin tyres - both bikes are suitable.
• The 4K is a tricky cycle, but that is what makes adventure racing different from Triathlon or a club cycle.
• Every measure has been take to ensure your safety on this gravel track.
• We will have 2 bike mechanics on duty to give you a hand if you get a puncture.
• We will put up a video up on our you tube channel to give you an idea of the cycle route over the next couple of days.

Some Frequently Asked Questions on the Cycle Route:

What bike should I use?

The bike choice is a personal choice. The top Elite competitors will be using a road bike with Gatorskin Tyres. Other competitors will use a hybrid bike with Gatorskin tyres and people can also use a mountain bike. The road bike will be fastest on the road but will not be as quick on the 4K gravel track. The mountain bike will be 30% slower on the road but quicker that the road bike on the 4K gravel section. See this video of what Gatorskin tyres are all about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv79yBRCtBw

What type of surface is the cycle track?

The surface is gravel. The heavy rain over winter has created a few groves in the track. Care and attention must be given when cycling this track. There are a few short steep hills that you might have to get off the bike and walk.

What happens if I get a puncture?

A spare tube and bike pump is part of the mandatory kit list. If  you get a puncture you should be able to change the tube in your bike. See video on how change a tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwwfV99VV8I

What type of cycling shoes / pedals should I use?

The type Elite guys will not use cycling shoes. They will use trail runners in toe clips / cages / strap type pedals (see picture below) You have to dismount 2 times on the 4K gravel track and possibly dismount on the steep short hill section so clip, in cycle shoes / cleat shoes might be a disadvantage.

What happens if I meet someone coming the other way?

You won't. The waves times are structured in such a way to ensure everyone gets to the bike transition in the black valley before the Elite competitors start coming back down. The gravel track and road in the Black Valley is too dangerous to have bike meeting each other.

Is the Road Closed to Cars?

No the road is not closed. Competitors must obey rules of the road. Other road users will be made aware of the event and will drive with caution. Care must be take in the down hill section past the Black Valley Church and hostel. Please take notice of signs and our marshals with red flags and whistles.

Please remember that you will have a great time at the St. Patrick's Weekend Killarney Adventure Race regardless of what type of bike you have, if you get a puncture or if your feet get wet!

It is an adventure race it is supposed to take you out of your comfort zone and bring you down places where you have never been before!

Full information is available here >>>>

The race entry is limited to 500 people. The entry is 55% full at present. Register now to ensure you place. Click Here >>>>

31 December 2013

New St Patrick's Weekend Adventure Race   

Great News we are having an exciting new Adventure race in Killarney on Sunday the 16^th of March.

Why not Kick off your Season with an epic adventure race, 52Km total distance.

The exact details are being finalised and we hope to have the route maps and registration open in the 1st week of January.

Some sneak pictures of the new route:

The route is broken down as follows:

Stage 1: Cycle 20K

Stage 2: Trail Run 9.5K

Stage 3: Kayak 500m

Stage 4: Trail Run  2.5K

Stage 4: Cycle 20K

Follow us on:
Facebook
Twitter 
for all the latest news
on the New St. Patrick's
Weekend Killarney
Adventure Race

Trail run section of the
new St. Patrick's Weekend KAR

Stunning remote locations

Watch this space

7th November 2013

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2014   

Registration is now open for the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race 2014.

Register here >>> 

Follow us on Facebook  or Twitter to get special discount code  

LATEST DATES FOR THE TV SHOW

Just in case you missed it :) the TV show will be on Again on the following stations:

TG4 Sunday 10th November @ 17.00
TG4 Wednesday 13th November @ 21.00
Euro Sport Saturday 9th November @ 15.30
Euro Sport Wednesday 13th November @ 13.25
Euro Sport Thursday 21th November @ 20.50
Setanta Sports Saturday 16th November @ 16.55
Setanta Sports Sunday 17th November @ 16.55
Setanta Sports Sunday 18th November @ 08.00
Sky Sports 4 Tuesday 3rd December @18.30
Sky Sports 4 Tuesday 3rd December @23.30
Sky Sports 4 Wednesday 4th December @11.30
Sky Sports 2 Wednesday 4th December @06.00

25th October 2013

  Smile your on TV   

  

 This fantastic adrenaline packed TV Show will be aired on Channel 4 on 27^th October at 7.55am and also on Sky Sports on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th of December.

The programme will showcase the stunning scenery of the lakes and mountains in Killarney National Park to millions of people all over the world.

The Killarney Adventure race has become one of the biggest events of its kind in the world with hundreds of participants coming from home and abroad to take part in Ireland's most exciting adventure race.

The show will also be broadcast on Setanta Sports, ESPN, TG4 and TV3 at later dates in 2014.

Make sure to tune in on Sunday morning to see Killarney at its best in glorious October sunshine

14th October 2013

What a Day :)

We'd like to thank everyone for taking part in the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race. The Sun Came out and it turned into a really special day.

A phrase that summed it all up for us was 'The pain in my legs will go but the buzz will remain'

Please note the following:

1. All the results are available here >>>
2. Prize winners listing is available here >>>
3. Kayak times have been adjusted to account for the shortened Kayak distance
4. Provisional date for next years race is the 4th of October
5. Registration for 2014 will be open next week.
6. All the photos are available here >>>

We will be taking on board all the feedback we have received to make the 2014 Killarney Adventure Race even better.

See you all again next year for another Epic Adventure in Ireland's Adventure Capital

Regards,

Catriona, Ollie & All the Elite Event Management Team

2nd October Important Race Informaiton

IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION

The big day is nearly here and it’s all systems go down in Killarney. We can't wait to welcome you all down to the adventure capital for Ireland's biggest adventure race

Please read the following important information relating to your participation in the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race:

1. Wave times are available here >>>>
2.  Please read the detailed race information document here >>>
3.   No changes to wave times are permitted.
4.  Registration on Friday 4th October from 2.00pm - 11.00pm in the INEC Killarney.
5. There is no facility to register on the morning of the race.
6. You will receive a text message with your race number and wave time. Please present this at registration.
7.  Please make yourself familiar with the race maps. Detailed route maps are also available here >>>

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and promotions from our sponsors. Use the official hashtag #KAR13

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From everyone at the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race Team we hope you have a great weekend in Irelands adventure capital, its going to be epic  :)

25th September - Kerry Legend Signs Up For An Adventure

 SEAMUS MOYNIHAN - EVENT AMBASSADOR           

Even in Kerry, few Gaelic football players have left such an indelible mark following a long and successful inter-county career as Seamus Moynihan has.  He has now taken up Adventure Racing on his door step in Killarney. With 4 All Ireland Football Medals, Seamus knows a thing or two about preparing for a big challenge.

  

SEAMUS TOP TIPS 

1.   Last week to get some Challenging training In: This is the last week where you can get one or 2 hard training sessions in. if possible, over next weekend try and get a hill run in followed by a cycle and another hill run in  to reflect what you will be asking your body to do on the day of the race. From Sunday on, you should be on Wind down mode to make sure you and nice and fresh for the day  of the event.

2.   Get some Kayak Training: For those who are not used of Kayaking or  for those who have never been out Kayaking before, it is vital that you organise one or 2 training sessions with someone who has experience rowing or using a kayak. This will be of major benefit to you on the day  of the race.

3.   Start planning your Food and Drink Intake. Ensure you have 2 full water bottles  on your bike and you have a water supply for the second climb after the Kayak (either a back bladder or a carrier bag with a  water bottle).  Have plenty of energy gels, jaffa cakes, wine gums, glucose sweets, bananas and salt sachets in your carrier bag. With regard to the Energy gels, try and use the gels which you have been using in training. If you don’t like the gels, try the energy bars. Make sure you eat food that agrees with you and what has worked for you in the training leading up to the event.

4.   Get your Bike Serviced: make sure you get the Bike serviced, a chain snapping or a burst tyre could destroy all the good time you made running up Strickeen. It is vital that if you don’t know how to fix a puncture, ask someone who knows to show you. A flat tube or a burst tyre is not the end of the world if you know how to change it – if you don’t well its game up. Always carry a spare tub and a to be safe fold and tie a spare tyre to your bike.

5.   Be organised -Get your Gear in Order: You have 2 weeks to get your gear in order – make sure you have the correct foot wear for climbing and running, that you have the correct cycling shorts and your top has pockets in the back to carry your first aid kit and some food.  You should write down a check list of all the gear you need for the event and tick off as you have in order, don’t leave this until the last minute as you will no doubt forget something.

6.   Sort out those niggling Injuries: make sure you give yourself every fighting chance on the day of the event. If you have some minor injuries or if you are feeling stiff make sure you get in for some Physio work or get a massage – your body deserves this after all the hard work.

7.   Stretch Stretch Stretch: if you cant get in for physio, make sure you stretch for 15 minutes every night stretching the main muscle types – calves, quads, groins, glutes. You have trained hard, make sure you stretch out those over trained muscle to keep them nice and supple.  You don’t want to pull or strain a tight muscle as this could put you out of the event or make it extremely tough for you.

8.   Plenty of Rest: get plenty of sleep in over the next 2 weeks, your body needs plenty of sleep to recover from the hard training. Aim for 7 good hours sleep a night.

9.   Eat Well: make sure you are getting plenty of complex carbs and  protein  into the body – your body needs to be well fuelled for this event so eat up. On the morning of the event try and eat something substantial 3 hours before you start. If you don’t you will  run out of energy very fast and will hit the wall.

19th September Latest News

KAYAK TIPS

It’s often the case that kayaking will get overlooked during training. After all, it’s far easier to pop your trainers on and go for a run or hop on your bike, than to find some water and a boat! So we thought we’d share some of our top tips for building speed without using too much muscle power.

Top ten paddling tips

1. Did you know that 75% of your paddle power comes from your torso rather than your arms and shoulders? Over-using the arms will quickly lead to fatigue and will have little effect on your overall speed. The simple fact is that the more you rotate your torso, the more power you will get from each stroke.
2. To get maximum movement from your torso you should sit in your kayak with your back resting comfortably against the seat. Keep both arms comfortably in-front of you and take the paddle in both hands (over handed with thumbs underneath), and line up your knuckles with the upward blade edge. The most important thing to remember here is to relax and don’t hold onto the paddle too tightly. Held correctly, your paddle will rest comfortably in your hands. Using a tight grip or placing your hands too close to one another, will make paddling a tiresome task.
3. Each paddle stroke works on a simple ‘pull and push’ action. The key is to keep the paddle steadily sweeping the water in a continuous movement. Always pull the paddle down with your downward stroke, whilst your upward arm should push the paddle shaft away to distribute the work evenly – and don’t forget to turn your torso into each and every stroke!
4. Once you have mastered the basic stroke you can start to build on your speed. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the harder you pull on the paddle the faster you will go. Instead try to minimise the lag time between your strokes. Again, the key is to keep your movement fluid. As one blade is ready to exit the water, the opposite blade should be ready to enter. Relax and keep that paddle moving and you’ll find yourself moving faster with minimal effort.
5. To get maximum control and speed from your kayak try to straighten and bend your knees when paddling forwards. For every stroke you take, straighten the leg on the same side you use the paddle blade.
6.  It may seem straightforward, but you would be amazed at how people lose time during a race spinning in frantic circles on the water whilst trying to control their kayaks. To turn your kayak, simply paddle on the opposite side that you want to turn into. To make your turn faster place your paddle into the water in a vertical direction on the side you want to turn to.
7.   During the Killarney Adventure Race you will be sharing your kayaking experience with a team mate or fellow competitor on tandem sit-on-top kayaks, and the ability to work together as a team will be crucial to your success. It is usually better to sit the most experienced paddler at the back of the boat. The person seated at the back should be in control of steering the boat, whilst the person at the front will scout for obstacles and help to pull the boat swiftly through the water. It is important to be as in sync with one another as possible, paddling on opposite sides to one another to keep the boat moving with ease. If you know your team mates well, then try to get some practice in before the race. If you are paired up with a stranger, try to spend a couple of minutes discussing your strategy before you take to the water. Above all, communicate with one another throughout!
8.  If you can’t access a kayak in advance of the race, there are things you can do to perfect your technique for the day. The best way to do this is to sit in some sand or loose dirt holding a broom handle. Pretend the dirt or sand is the water and practice your stroke. This will help you to visualise and improve the correct motions.
9. Don’t be fooled into thinking that kayaking is easy. Even with a good technique kayaking can be tough on the shoulders, arms and backs. Make sure you are fully prepared by building on your upper body strength prior to the event. Lift weights and do press ups and pull ups on a regular basis.
10. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Muckross Lake is truly spectacular so keep yourself as relaxed as possible and make sure you enjoy the stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere along the way!

8th September Latest News

Helly Hansen Ambassadors Blogs

This year we have enlisted 8 ambassadors to give us an insight to their training, their motivations and their advice for this year’s Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure race

Read how Ireland's top adventure racers go about their training and some remarkable stories on how our  ambassadors are using the Adventure race to over come their own challenges.

Read the Ambassador Blogs Here >>>>>>

Registration Closes on the 23rd of September

Registration is now 75% full, there are only 3 wave times left for the 59K & 69K routes.

30th August - Latest Informaiton

Registration Update

Registration is now 65% full.

The 8.00 and 7.30 wave times are nearly full.

Registration closes on the 20th of September, but registration will close before this time if maximum numbers are reached.

Register on-line here >>>>>>

Training Days

Anyone fancy training with some of Ireland's Top Adventure Racers ?

Details

Sunday 8th September: Blessington, Co. Wicklow (20 mins from Dublin) €40 per person

Sunday 15th September: Killarney €30 per person

Places for these training days are limited to 20 people so please e-mail info@eliteevents.ie to book your place and we'll send you on all the information.

Kayak training also available.

More info here >>>>> 

Competitor Information

We will be sending out an in e-mail to all registered competitors in the next 2 weeks week with detail event information.

Please not the following:

• All competitors must attend the adventure expo on Friday the 4th of October from 2.00pm to 11.00pm to collect their race packs.
• Wave times will be e-mailed to all competitors on the 2nd of October.
• Bike rental is available by filling out the online form here >>>>>

30th July - Training Weekends

Anyone fancy training with some of Ireland's Top Adventure Racers?

On Saturday the 10th of August we will be holding our first training day. Helly Hansen event ambassadors Avril Copeland, Jerry O'Sullivan and Aidan Mc Moreland will be on hand for a full scheduled day of training.

There will be a separate beginners group and a more advanced group. We will run, cycle and kayak sections of the Killarney Adventure Race Route. This is a great chance to get tips and advice from the experts.

Places for this weekend are limited to 20 people so please e-mail info@eliteevents.ie to book your place and we'll send you on all the information.

We will be holding 2 more training weekends between now and the race in October - details to be announced shortly.

17th June - Only 4 Months to Go

The Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race, now in its 3rd year, continues to attract Ireland's top endurance athletes for one of the must do events of the year.

Helly Hansen has signed up again as title sponsor, their only sponsorship of this kind in the British Isles. Competitors can expect a top quality tech tee, medals, a BBQ, super after party and the famous Japanese hot tubs to soak those weary bones.

High quality kit prizes await the top competitors and a great weekend away in Killarney is guaranteed.

The race seems set to attract a record number of participants this year too, with over 1,500 people expected to participate.

Remember it’s not just for the grizzly hard core adventurers as there are 3 different route options to suit all levels of fitness.  

The race takes place on Saturday October 5^th in Killarney 

Al the info is available here >>>>> http://killarneyadventurerace.ie/

6th JANURARY 2013 - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Plans for the 2013 Helly Hansen Adventure Race are already under way. With a bigger and better adventure planned for the 5^th of October 2013 in Irelands Adventure Capital.

Don’t miss out on registration special offers for the 2012 Killarney adventure Race.

Register Now << Here >>

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest deals on race entries and accommodation packages:

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The event was a sell out in 2012, with over 1,100 competitors from across Ireland taking part. Organisers are advising to register early to guarantee your place.

For more information and on line registration go to http://killarneyadventurerace.ie/

If you have any queries about the race, training, equipment required or accommodation feel free to contact 

us on info@killarneyadventurerace.ie

28th SEPTEMBER 2012 - IMPORTANT RACE INFORMAITON

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

The Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race is now closed. For the second year in a row the event has been a sell-out. Over 1,100 adventurers will descend on Killarney next weekend for Ireland’s best one day adventure race


IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION

Please read the race information document. It will hopefully answer some of the questions you may have. It is vital that you read this document before taking part in the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race

PLEASE READ >>>>> IMPORTANT RACE INFORMAITON


AFTER PARTY

The mega after party & prize giving is being held in the Lane Bar in the Ross Hotel. Celebrate your achievement in style with your fellow adventurers. There will be a BBQ for all competitors from 6.00pm – 8.00pm. The prize giving is at 8.30pm

14th September - Latest Race Information

ALL THE LATEST NEWS FOR COMPETITORS IN THE HELLY HANSEN ADVENTURE RACE

Its only 3 weeks until the big day so I hope training and preparations are going well. Please read the following important competitor information:

• Registration closes on the 21st September.
• There are only 150 places left. 
• Numbers are limited due to environmental sustainability in Killarney National Park.
• Wave start times will be issued the week before the race.
• There is no changes to the Wave times once they are issued.
• The wave time is the time you arrive at Muckross House for bus transfer to the Start line.
• You will start the race approx 45mins after your listed wave time.
• Competitors in all 3 route distances must register in Kate Kearneys Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe on Friday the 5th of October from 14.00 - 23.00.
• At registration on Friday night you will collect your race information pack, maps, timing chip, goddie bag and race cycling Jersey (1st 400 entered) and Helly Hansen base layer top.
• Mandatory kit list will be checked on Friday at registration and again at the start line on Saturday morning. No mandatory kit no race.
• After the race - after party and prize giving in a venue in Killarney town TBC.

If you have any more queries feel free to contact us or check out the web site http://killarneyadventurerace.ie/

See you all in a couple of weeks.

Five things you might not know about the Killarney adventure race

Here are five things you might not know about it


1. It’s bloody tough...

Adventure races by their very nature are a long way removed from a little jog in the park and the Killarney Adventure Race is no different. There are three routes of varying difficulties to suit competitors of different fitness levels, but if you think you have the bottle to take on the toughest route of all, a serious challenge awaits


2. But it’s not all hard work...

Of course, the 67km route is for the ultra-fit, grizzled adventure race veterans out there and stubborn folk who feel like pushing themselves to the absolute maximum of their physical capabilities.
If that sounds a bit tough, there are two other routes available – a 57km route which cuts 10km off the Mangerton Mountain run and a 25km route, which drastically reduces the length of the cycle and the mountain run and eliminates the first 7.5km run altogether.
Also, if you want to drag a few friends along, there is an option available to compete in teams of two, three or four, so you can share the physical load and toast your achievements together once it’s all over and done with.


3. It’s not just any old race; it’s an award-winning race...

The event was such a success, in fact, that it was voted  ‘2011 Event of the year’ by Ireland’s leading outdoor and adventure sports publication Outsider Magazine, beating off competition from 40 other events across the country.

4. The scenery is stunning...

Not only is Kerry home to the best Gaelic Footballers in the country, it’s home to some pretty stunning scenery as well. As mentioned above, participants will take in sights such as the Gap of Dunloe, Moll’s Gap, Mangerton Mountain and the Lakes of Killarney.
It might be hard for competitors to take their eyes off the ground when the going gets tough, but those that do will also be able to take in Carrantouhill, Kenmare Bay, Killarney National Park and Muckross House and Gardens, which contains Ireland’s largest Oak Forest.


5. There will be freebies!...


While the majority of participants will be there to challenge themselves, at these sort of events there are always a few who go along simply to avail of the freebies on offer and those shameless cheapskates won’t be disappointed in Killarney.

Included in the registration fee of €80 (€70 for the short course) is a customised cycling t-shirt, a customised finisher’s medal, a base layer t-shirt from the renowned Norwegian outdoor clothing brand Helly Hansen, who have come on board as the title sponsor for this year’s event, and a goodie bag packed with cool bits and bobs from the race sponsors.

If all that’s not enough, participants will be able to avail of the famed Japanese hot tubs, a massage and a bowl of piping hot soup at the finish line, while there is a free post-race barbeque and party for everyone involved. What’s not to like.

For more Info check out: www.killarneyadventurerace.ie

Author: Connor Hennegan Joe.ie